World Art Day is an international celebration of the arts, which was declared by the International Art Association(IAA) in order to promote awareness of creative activity throughout the world. The proposal was presented at the 17th General Assembly of the Association in Guadalajara to declare April 15 as World Art Day, with its first celebration taking place in 2012.
This proposal was sponsored by Bedri Baykam from Turkey and co-signed by Rosa Maria Burillo Velasco from Mexico, Anne Pourny from France, Liu Dawei from China, Christos Symeonides from Cyprus, Anders Liden from Sweden, Kan Irie from Japan, Pavel Kral from Slovakia, Dev Chooramun from Mauritius, and Hilde Rognskog from Norway. This proposal was unanimously accepted by the General Assembly.
The date was chosen in honor of the birth day of Leonardo da Vinci (painter, sculptor, designer, architect, poet, biologist and a long etcetera, for whom he considers the “Renaissance man”), who was selected as a world symbol of peace, freedom of expression, tolerance, brotherhood and multiculturalism.
The first World Art Day was on April 15, 2012, it was supported by all the national committees of the International Art Association and 150 artists, including those from France, Sweden, Slovakia, South Africa, Cyprus and Venezuela, but the intention of the event is universal. The events varied in terms of special museum hours, conferences and more.
Art is one of the most evolved forms of human expression. Through it, man can express his personal vision of what afflicts him, interests him or simply seems beautiful to him, through plastic, sound or linguistic resources.
The creativity of the human being can be fluid or limited since it is linked to artistic freedom, which is the freedom to imagine, create and distribute diverse cultural expressions without government censorship, political interference or pressure from non-state actors. It includes the right of all citizens to access these works and is essential for the well-being of societies.
Artistic freedom embodies a set of rights protected under international law: The right to create without censorship or intimidation; the right to have artistic work supported, distributed and remunerated; the right to freedom of movement; the right to freedom of association; the right to protection of economic and social rights; the right to participate in cultural life.
The 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions states that “Cultural diversity can only be protected and promoted if human rights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed, such as freedom of expression, information and communication, as well as the possibility for people to have access to diverse cultural expressions” [1]
However, the world still cannot speak of full artistic freedom, quoting Deeyah Khan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for artistic freedom and creativity: “The right of artists to express themselves freely is threatened all over the world “Art has the extraordinary capacity to express resistance and rebellion, protest and hope. It makes an essential contribution to all prosperous democracies” [2]
The adoption of World Art Day confirms the importance for Mexico, as a cultural power, of the creative industries and policies on the matter as central points to generate development and social inclusion within a framework of respect for cultural diversity and non-discrimination, rights and actions.
This celebration has the purpose of becoming one of the instruments to promote the role of culture as a transversal tool to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, while reinforcing UNESCO’s sectors and programs and remembering the incalculable contributions that the arts and cultural heritage represent for humanity.
2020 became a watershed for many activities and social dynamics, in the presence of COVID-19, “these times force us to reflect on the future of the cultural field in the midst of a global emergency. Dialogue and listening will be essential to imagine new horizons in a collective, diverse and inclusive way. With solidarity and generosity we will get ahead” Alejandra Frausto, Secretary of Culture of Mexico. This is how the strategy “With you in the distance” was adopted, a space for creators and the general public that invites them to discover the cultural diversity of Mexico and participate actively, without having to leave home.
Mexico is also a seedbed of this diversity of artistic expressions committed to this cause and also celebrates this world festival, to show nationally and internationally that culture in our country is above violence and is the maximum expression that writes our history, because we have an enormous wealth of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern art that can be seen both in museums, as well as in public areas and in the abundant remains of indigenous architecture.
The celebrations of this day help to strengthen the links between artistic creations and society, to promote a greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and to highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. Likewise, this date is the opportunity to highlight artistic education in schools, since culture is the path to an inclusive and equitable education. There is much to learn, share and celebrate on World Art Day, and UNESCO encourages everyone to participate through various activities such as debates, conferences, workshops, cultural events and presentations or exhibitions.
Mexico is located in the extreme south of North America, between 14 ° 32 ’45’ ‘and 32 ° 43’ 5 ” north latitude and 86 ° 46 ‘and 117 ° 08’ west longitude. It limits to the north with the United States, to the east with the Golfo de Mexico, to the south with Belize, Guatemala and the Pacific Ocean and to the west with that ocean. It occupies an area of 1,972,546 square kilometers (including island area).
Limits of Mexico with the United States of North America.
Rivers that limit Mexico to the north: Bravo river and Colorado river.
Length in kilometers of the borders with the United States: 2369 kilometers.
Name of the treaties that establish the limits of Mexico with the United States: Treaties of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) and the Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1853)
Limits of Mexico with Guatemala.
Rivers that border Mexico with Guatemala: Suchiate river, Chixoy river and Usumacinta river.
Within the mountainous elevations we have: Tocana volcano and Buenavista Hill.
Length of the border of our country with Guatemala: 962 kilometers.
Limits of Mexico with Belize
The river that marks the limits in part is: Hondo river, the limits were established by the treaty with United Kingdom in June 1893-1894, and it reaches a length of 176 kilometers.
WEATHER
Mexico would have a tropical climate in its southern part and subtropical in its northern region; but the physical configuration of its soil and the influence of the air masses coming from the Gulf of Mexico modify the climatic conditions, making it possible to identify three zones determined according to the altitude: hot, temperate and cold lands. The former covers the coastal plains and lowlands of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Tabasco, Campeche and the Yucatecan Platform. The average annual temperature is above 22 ° Celsius and abundant rainfall (2000 to 3000 mm.)
FLORA
The flora includes various species characteristic of tropical, subtropical, temperate, cold and Mediterranean areas, and latitude acts as a determining factor in their distribution. The tropical forest, in regions with a tropical rainy climate, without a dry season, includes large trees with deep roots, such as cedar, mahogany, Brazil duck, epiphytic and parasitic plants such as vanilla and various orchids; it mainly covers the State of Tabasco and the neighboring areas of Veracruz and Chiapas. As the height increases, the tropical species are being replaced by the mixed transition forest, between 1700 and 2000 meters, formed by oaks, oaks, ash trees, strawberry trees, walnut trees, etc. The coniferous, pine, cypress and white cedar forests are found between 2000 and 3000 meters, on both slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental, south of the Neovolcanic Cordillera and north of the Central Plateau of Chiapas.
FAUNA
Mexico is one of the 12 megadiverse countries in the world. With about 200,000 different species, Mexico is home to 10–12 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Mexico ranks first in reptile biodiversity with 733 known species, second in mammals with 448 species, third in amphibians with 290 species, and fourth in flora, with 26,000 different species. Mexico is also considered the second country in the world in ecosystems and the fourth in total species. Approximately 2,500 species are protected by Mexican legislation.
The Mexican government created the National Information System on Biodiversity, which is in charge of studying and promoting the substantial use of ecosystems. In Mexico, 170 thousand square kilometers are considered “Protected Natural Areas”. Including 34 biosphere reserves (unaltered ecosystems), 64 national parks, 4 natural monuments, 26 areas to protect flora and fauna, 4 areas for natural protection and 17 sanctuaries (areas with rich diversity of species)
The fauna is very varied and abundant. In the hot and low regions, there are monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, squirrels, reptiles (crocodile, caiman, iguana), snakes, insects, arachnids and birds (toucan, quetzal, ibis, flamingo, etc.). In temperate lands there are coyote, black bear, servant, antelope, rodents, peccaries, hares, etc. Birds of prey abound in the mountains. The coasts are rich in fish and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns and lobsters)
HYDROGRAPHY
(Source: Water Atlas in Mexico 2018. CONAGUA)
The Mexican river with the largest basin is the Bravo or Grande del Norte, which serves as the border with the United States and receives the Conchos, San Juan and Salado on its Mexican shore. It drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Panuco, Tuxpan, Nautla, Papaloapan, Coatzacoalcos and Tonala rivers also belong to this variant; the Mexalapa, the Grijalva and the Usumacinta flow together in the Barra de Frontera and, finally, the Campeche, Champoton, Candelaria and Hondo rivers, bordering Belize.
º Water bodies Lake Chapala is the largest of the inland lakes in Mexico. It has an area of 1,116 square kilometers and has an average depth that ranges between four and six meters. The bodies of water fulfill hydrological functions for their basins, in the case of Chapala, the lake is a significant supply source for the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara. Bodies of water can also be created by man (in which case they are called artificial), such as reservoirs formed by dams. The main lakes in the country are: Chapala, Cuitzeo, Patzcuaro, Yuriria and Catemaco, ranging from 1,116 km² to 75 km² and with a storage capacity of between 8,126 million m³ to 454 m³.
º Main rivers The rivers and streams of Mexico constitute a hydrographic network of 633 thousand kilometers in length 87% of the republic’s surface runoff flows through the channels of the 51 main rivers and its basins cover 65% of the country’s continental territorial surface. Due to the area they cover, the basins of the Bravo and Balsas rivers stand out, and due to their length, the Bravo and Grijalva-Usumacinta rivers. The Lerma, Nazas-Aguanaval rivers belong to the interior slope. Two thirds of the surface runoff occur in the channels of seven rivers: Grijalva-Usumacinta, Papaloapan, Coatzacoalcos, Balsas, Panuco, Santiago and Tonala, while their basins represent 22% of the surface of country. Several Mexican rivers flow partially through neighboring countries. With the United States of America there are agreements on the distribution of the waters of the rivers of the northern border.
º Aquifer availability The importance of groundwater is manifested in the magnitude of the volume used by the main users 39.1% of the total volume concessional for consumptive uses (that is, 34,380 million cubic meters per year as of 2017), belongs to this origin. For groundwater administration purposes, the country has been divided into 653 aquifers, whose official names were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on December 5, 2001. From that moment on, a process of delimitation, study and determination of the average annual availability 5 of aquifers. As of December 31, 2017, the availability of the 653 aquifers of the republic had been published.
º Hydrological basins The country is divided into 757 hydrological basins, of which 649 are in a condition of availability.
º Wetlands Wetlands are transition zones between aquatic and terrestrial systems, they constitute temporary or permanent flooding areas with characteristic hydrophilic vegetation, or soils permanently humid due to the discharge of aquifers. The conservation and sustainable management of wetlands can ensure the biological wealth and the environmental services that they provide, such as water storage, aquifer conservation, water purification through the retention of nutrients, sediments and pollutants, protection against storms and flood mitigation, shoreline stabilization and erosion control. The study “Humedales de la Republica Mexicana” (2012) generated the National Inventory of Wetlands (INH), which includes 6,331 wetlands and wetland complexes, covering 5% of the country’s surface (table 4.9). Wetlands are classified as marsh (related to lagoons or swamps), lacustrine (lakes), fluvial (rivers), estuarine (estuaries) and created by anthropogenic action. At the international level, an intergovernmental convention was signed in the city of Ramsar, Iran (1971), known as the Ramsar Convention. Said convention “… serves as a framework for national action and international cooperation in favor of the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources”, in Mexico it entered into force on November 4, 1986 and by 2017 142 Mexican wetlands inscribed on the Ramsar List3, covering a total area of 8 657 057 hectares (Ramsar 2018).
RELIEF AND NATURAL REGIONS
The Mexican territory has the shape of a triangle with the base resting on the border with the United States and its vertex deviated towards the southeast. Numerous folds, subsidence and elevations have determined the formation of relief lines that configure the orography of the country, in which the highlands predominate. Two mountain systems, the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental, frame the Great Mexican Plateau to the east and west, respectively.
The orographic system in the southern part is complicated and vigorous, formed by the Sierra Madre del Sur; the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca with the Intermediate Mixtec Shield: the Sierra Atravesada, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; the Central Table of Chiapas and the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, which ends on the border with Guatemala at the Tacaná volcano of 3,804 meters. Towards the southeast emerges, closing the Gulf of Mexico to the south, the Yucatecan Platform, a wide peninsula of 500 kilometers in length and an average width of 350 kilometers, whose ¾ parts belong to Mexico, 1/8 to Guatemala and another one is in the Power of the British Empire. It constitutes a slab of karstic termissions, with a total absence of surface water currents.
The history of carpentry began when hand tools began to be used. The first artisans of this trade were the inventors and users of new tools to work with wood. In the field of construction, the need to build the first roofs and wooden structures for homes gave rise to the profession of carpenter.
We can say that it is one of the oldest arts of all humanity. Possibly we all know the writings of a carpenter from 2,000 years ago, Joseph, the father of Jesus, and the mentions of him in the Bible, but he is by no means the first carpenter. Although little was known about this type of work before this time, a group of scientists recently found in Germany, what is considered until now, the first examples of carpentry in the world. They could be as old as 7,000 years.
Up to 151 oak woods were found preserved in a waterlogged environment and were dated between 5,469 and 5,098 B.C. In the wells found, the wooden architecture used and the technological capacity of human beings from 7,000 years ago can be observed in detail. This study took place due to the discovery of old and enormous oak trees felled by a Neolithic farmer with stone adzes (a tool for roughing wood consisting of a small ax with a curved blade perpendicular to the handle).
Next to the carpenter there has always been the figure of the apprentice, generally a son or another young person to whom knowledge, tradition, and art can be passed on. For this reason, this noble trade was passed from generation to generation until today. Although it is true that like everything related to the human being, it has evolved and has nothing to do with the first carpenters, who did everything manually, unlike today, which due to the development of technology is used more machinery, for its ease and speed in the production process.
“As the history of carpentry developed, the members of the guild were able to meet back in the 13th century and over time form an organization to regulate the profession. This led to the creation of a union of carpenters in 1881.” Genius of Japanese Carpentry. Secret of an ancient craft. Brown Azby. Editorial Charles E. Tuttle
The manufacture of furniture and decorative objects in wood had great development in Europe, from the Renaissance, especially in Italy and France. It reached its splendor during the Rococo, in France, during the 18th century, at that time the complexity and refinement in the manufacture of luxury furniture, achieved a degree that was no longer surpassed. Originally the term cabinetmaking was applied to the manufacture of furniture with fine wood, such as ebony or mahogany.
In Mesoamerican cultures, the satisfaction of these needs was associated with religious, social and economic factors, which is demonstrated by the difference between the furniture of the population in general and that of the ruling and religious class.
The chroniclers of the Indies left some assertions in this regard, for example, Francisco Javier Clavijero states in his “Ancient History of Mexico” that the bed of the townspeople consisted of one or two bark mats, while those of the rich were They “added fine palm mats, cotton canvases, and interwoven feather fabrics. The pillow of the poor was a stone or a piece of wood and that of distinguished persons was made of cotton… the poor did not use tables, they ate on mats that were spread out on the ground, their seats were low stools made of wood or bark, or of a certain kind. species of reeds which they called “icpalli”.”
Currently the trade of cabinetmaker consists of the artisanal production of furniture, apart from industrial mass production; as well as in the restoration of antique furniture, elaborated according to the guidelines of the 17th and 18th centuries. Google & Oxford Languages
In Mexico, there is a great carpentry tradition, among the Mayans, for example, the craft of carver was not only one of the most appreciated but also one of the most dangerous. There was a belief that, because of their work, the carvers could contract a serious illness and die, it was also thought that both the carver and a member of his family could fall under a curse. That is why it was not easy to persuade one of the artisans to make an idol or handicraft.
To make each piece, a suitable wood was sought, commonly the ceiba trunk that the Mayans called “the tree of God”. When the list was ready, the carvers, priests and the old people of the place called “chaques”, temporarily locked themselves in a hut that was surrounded by a fence until the work was completely finished and only the person who made the work could enter this period. order, same as he was responsible for providing him with food and drinks.
To purify their work, during the modeling process, incense was constantly burned to the gods of the four directions of the world, and while they were carving they smeared blood periodically as they took shape. At the time of retiring to rest, they kept their work in a large urn in order to reduce the danger, perhaps for fear that they would come to life and cause them harm. When the figure had been completed, it was placed on a grid that was built for this purpose and the sawdust with which, like men dedicated to work, they had previously been filled, was removed.
Several purification and consecration ceremonies followed, and at the end the idols were wrapped in cloth and placed in a basket and given to the person who had ordered their making. Payment was made in local currency (cocoa, bills, etc.), as well as gifts such as deer or poultry.
A living example of this art is found in Tlaxcala, which with its pre-Hispanic past offers endless knowledge and tradition, enriched by European influences, which can be appreciated in its timeless crafts. Because unlike the industrial product, in the handcrafted piece, the artist puts a note of personality in each step he takes, uses ancestral materials and techniques, and summarizes centuries of history in his work of art.
In this state, the Nahuatl and Otomi languages have a very strong presence and where the community spirit is still based on the indigenous organization. This largely explains the fact that the work is not only shared among the family, but also, on many occasions, with the whole town. The techniques are learned from parents and grandparents, but they are also transmitted between people who do not have family ties. Thus, while some family stops producing when its members change jobs, there is never a lack of someone who takes up the tradition and gives it their own seal.
In the development of all cultures, carpenters’ apprenticeship went hand in hand with their own experience, and with the help of an apprentice, this noble trade was passed from generation to generation.
Undoubtedly the wood carving demonstrates the great manual skills of the Tlaxcalans and manifests the pride of the artisans and their roots since within the main themes pre-Hispanic ideas are carved, their history, coats of names, portraits, ornaments, furniture, utensils, etc Among the main woods used are ocote, sabino, palo duro, cedar and “tlaxixtle” (amelanchier denticulata is a native and emblematic plant of Tlaxcala) which for years was very significant for the economic development of the state.
In the region of Tlaxco, Don Miguel Ángel Márquez Sánchez together with his children, produces wooden crafts in his workshop, there the works that can be found are toys such as spinning tops; beauty accessories such as earrings or bracelets; ornaments such as jewelry boxes or vases; furniture and various other products. But, without a doubt, the most curious thing is the “tlaxcomóvil”, a car built entirely of wood from a Volkswagen Sedan engine, an example of ingenuity, creativity and art, this handcrafted piece took three years to build.
With the exception of the drive, suspension, braking and electrical system, this device is made entirely of wood: handles, steering wheel, wiper, seats, hood, doors, awning, headlight bases, glove compartment, engine lining and trunk. The first change in the vehicle was to cover the base of the gasoline tank with wood and the rest of the modification was made with “ayacahuite” or pine planks, which are bolted to the metal structure of the former beetle. The vehicle is fully functional, attends exhibitions, cultural events and is also rented for parties, weddings and fifteen years.
Another of this artist’s creations is an interactive model that shows how wood was made before electricity existed, as well as learning about the original tools with which this was achieved. With the support of dolls made of wood, operated with some attachments that combine pulleys and wooden gears, it shows from the felling of the tree, the manufacture of tables with axes and the furniture that was made without nails, they were armed with a glue called “glue” (strong, translucent and sticky paste that is generally made by sewing hooves and pieces of skin, and which, dissolved in hot water, is used to glue), dowels and wedges. This piece is in the “Carlos González” Museum.
“Speaking in general about people, it is a bit difficult for someone to understand that this is art, that this is beautiful, that this is creative, you don’t have time for leisure, this work requires all your attention and patience” . Miguel Angel Marquez.
In this family carpentry, the basic techniques are used to achieve a wooden craft. One of the essential processes used is sawing, which can be done with both manual and mechanical tools. As for the first, the hand saw is one of the most used. This is very practical both for making cuts in solid wood and chipboard. Of course, they also use the electric machine, although, yes, with protective glasses to avoid accidents, as wood chips can jump into their eyes.
A second technique is screwing or nailing, indicated to assemble the different pieces of wood. In practically any job that involves the use of wood, the assembly of the parts is necessary. To undertake this task successfully, the first thing is to mark where the screws or nails will go in order to avoid mistakes. Depending on whether nails or screws will be used, a drill or other tool is used.
With the woodworking project completed and all the pieces assembled, the next thing to do is sand it down. This technique is essential so that the object is smooth and totally uniform. The sanding process ensures the elimination of splinters that could cause cuts and other inconveniences for users.
Finally, every carpenter or fan of this discipline knows that the finishing touch is varnished. The varnish is a product that not only provides a shine and a professional finish to the set, but also protects it from woodworm and other problems that could deteriorate it over time. After applying the varnish, you will have to wait several hours until it dries completely.
Amado Márquez, Don Miguel’s grandfather, was the one who started carpentry at the beginning of the 20th century, today his grandson and his great-grandchildren continue with this life project. Don Miguel remembers that in May 1971 he was at the CIME (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, A.C.) studying his first semester when he decided to withdraw and continue with the family activity. And although his family was very disappointed, he does not regret that decision, because he has always liked carpentry and, despite the difficulties and difficult times, he has never thought of changing his profession.
Today Don Miguel Márquez has more than 50 years dedicating himself to carpentry, that trade that he is passionate about… “my grandfather was a carpenter, my father was a carpenter, two of my sons are carpenters and he is the fourth generation of carpenters in the Márquez family”. They began working in the trade making furniture and repairs, today they work in the production of handicrafts.
MADEM Carpentry Furniture Crafts and Wood Designs Gabriel M. Hernández nº 12 Fifth Section Tlaxco, Tlaxcala. Mexico. C.P. 90250 Telephone: +52 241.496.00.53
